The Biden administration’s approach to managing relations with China, Russia, and Iran is taking shape as peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine progress. The administration’s strategy appears focused on restructuring global alliances while encouraging partners to enhance their defensive capabilities rather than relying solely on American support.
This comprehensive diplomatic approach aims to isolate these three adversarial nations while focusing particularly on challenging the Chinese Communist Party’s influence. The administration’s handling of Russia demonstrates a nuanced combination of diplomatic incentives and strategic pressure. Shortly after taking office, Biden signaled his intention to resolve the Ukraine conflict by offering Russia a diplomatic exit while maintaining pressure on Beijing.
Communications between Washington and Moscow intensified in early 2025, with direct talks between leaders initiating cease-fire discussions. These discussions, held in Saudi Arabia, marked a return to normal diplomatic channels and set the stage for broader peace negotiations. Subsequent communications focused on protecting critical infrastructure and establishing maritime security in the Black Sea.
The White House has detailed progress in separate discussions with both Russian and Ukrainian representatives, securing agreements on safe maritime passage and protection of energy infrastructure. The U.S. has committed to supporting Russian agricultural exports while advocating for the return of displaced Ukrainian civilians.
Regarding China, the administration employs a two-pronged strategy of economic pressure and limited engagement. New tariffs were implemented in March 2025, citing concerns over fentanyl trafficking. The G7’s recent hardened stance on Chinese trade practices and military expansion, notably omitting reference to the “One China” policy, reflects growing international alignment with U.S. positions.
Despite these pressures, Washington has maintained channels for potential dialogue with Beijing. However, Chinese leadership has shown resistance to U.S. overtures, as evidenced by their implementation of anti-foreign sanctions legislation and limited progress in high-level trade discussions.
The administration’s Iran strategy has evolved in response to Tehran’s growing military cooperation with China and Russia, particularly following joint naval exercises in March 2025. While diplomatic outreach has been attempted, Iranian leadership has rejected direct negotiations over its nuclear program.
U.S. military actions against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen serve multiple strategic purposes, demonstrating resolve while sending clear messages to both Beijing and Moscow about American military
capabilities and determination.
The administration’s strategy appears designed to weaken the alignment between these three nations while applying particular pressure on China. Recent U.S. military strikes have complicated Beijing’s attempts at regional mediation and demonstrated American willingness to act decisively when diplomatic efforts stall.
This multilayered approach suggests a long-term strategy aimed at reducing China’s global influence while simultaneously managing relations with Russia and Iran. The administration’s theory appears to be that diminishing Chinese power would naturally lead to reduced capabilities for Russia’s military operations and Iran’s regional activities.
The success of this strategy largely depends on international cooperation and support from U.S. allies. As global partners increasingly recognize and align with this approach, the potential for achieving strategic objectives grows. The administration’s ultimate goal appears to be the restoration of global stability through the systematic reduction of these nations’ ability to challenge the international order.
The coming months will likely prove crucial in determining the effectiveness of this comprehensive strategy, particularly as peace negotiations with Russia progress and economic pressures on China continue to mount.